Hadith #1126

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the plight of a person who is engaged in a fruitless pursuit of his desires and ambitions, despite the lack of support from fate or destiny. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes such a person as the worst in bargaining and the most unsuccessful in striving.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (safqah) "صَفْقَةً" refers to bargaining or trading, implying that this person is unable to make successful deals or transactions. The word (sa'yan) "سَعياً" refers to striving or exerting effort. It signifies that this person puts in great effort and works hard to achieve his hopes and aspirations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that despite the individual's relentless pursuit, fate or destiny does not align with his desires, and he is unable to attain his goals. Consequently, he leaves this world in a state of deep sorrow and regret, and he faces the consequences of his actions in the hereafter.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 56:

Indeed, you (O Muhammad) do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights the fact that success and guidance ultimately come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and are not solely dependent on our efforts.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our capabilities and limitations. He does not place upon us burdens that are beyond our capacity to handle. Therefore, if our efforts are not yielding the desired results, it is a sign that perhaps our aspirations are not aligned with what is best for us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions us against becoming so consumed by our worldly desires that we neglect the greater purpose of our existence. We must recognize that true success lies in aligning our aspirations with the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and accepting His decree. As Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216:

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of seeking guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and aligning our aspirations with His will. We should strive for success in this world, but not at the expense of neglecting our spiritual growth and the ultimate goal of attaining success in the hereafter. We must trust in Allah's wisdom and accept that He knows what is best for us, even if it may not align with our immediate desires.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek His guidance and the strength to accept His decree. May He bless us with success in this world and the hereafter. And may peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.